How much does it hurt software sales when a console come bundled with like 3-4 games like the XB1 has been in several cases.

I mean someone who does not play a ton could be set for a while with the ACU Bundle, or even the MCC. I recall as a kid when we finally got an SNES it game with Super Mario Allstar/World and that kept us occupied for a long long time (I think the next game we got was Mario Kart like 7-8 months later).

I would assume the XB1 bundles have hurt the sales of other franchises on the XB1 such as Shadow of Mordor, Dragon Age, FH2, Sunset OD, and other that have underperformed on the XB1.

The other publishers cant be to happy when the manufactorers do this. I think the Bundles with 1st party games (like TLOUR or MCC) have the most negative impact because no one wins in that case. Sony gives away TLOUR because its their game and they can do it for free essessially (same with MS and MCC).

I think the publishers should put pressure on the manufactorers just to outright drop the price instead of trying to gain value with bundles. This put more money in the pocket of the consumer and gives them a choice to buy any game which is what the publishers want and why they spend so much money to market their games.

So you want one company to have less profits just so that another can make more? Where's the justification for that?

Games have become service. By giving free games you are inviting them in your system. So that they can buy ps+ / Xbox live gold and games. So its normal.

How is it hurting them? They get paid and most bundles are first party titles and other exclsuives who were financed and published by the console manufactors

Sega genesis 6 game bundle and sega saturn 3 game bundle were huge and kept me occupied for ages. I feel like these days people give up too quickly and move on before completely finishing a game. There is just too many choices with all these platforms, indies, and even free games.